Page 25 of A Reign of Chromes & Shadows

“Good,” the King said. “Then we shall begin formal discussions regarding your betrothal. Morale must be lifted, alliances strengthened and nothing accomplishes that more effectively than a royal wedding. Edmond and I agree that you’ve had ample time to mature into your abilities, and any further advancement will only be accelerated with Ivy at your side. There is no benefit in delaying what has already been decided. Your engagement has stretched on long enough, and given its political importance, we intend to secure a date in the very near future.”

Rain’s cutlery clattered violently against his plate as he shot to his feet.

“No.” His voice was low, dangerous.

The King slowly set down his own cutlery, dabbing the corners of his mouth with a napkin while maintaining unbroken eye contact.

“No, what?”

“I will not marry Ivy.” Rain said matter-of-factually.

“Olivis, please explain the terms of betrothal to your son. He appears to need educating.”

“I don’t care about your damn terms; I am not marrying her. I never agreed to be a political pawn, and I refuse to go through with it.”

His control flickered as anger surged.

“You will do as I tell you!” the King snarled.

“No. I won’t.” Rain let out a humourless laugh.

The King shoved his chair back, sending it crashing to the floor as he rose. The air thickened with testosterone as father and son squared off. Everything on the table began to tremble.

“RAIN!” Snow cried, reaching for him again but he swatted her away with a burst of power.

“Stop touching me! I am in control.”

“Are you? Because the tableware looks ready to launch across the room! You’re putting us all in danger!”

He gritted his teeth, pulling his power back into himself, but he refused to break eye contact with his father.

“Azrien, darling, please sit down,” their mother said sharply, positioning herself in front of Navy. “This is a sensitive subject for Rain.”

She turned to him. “Ivy is a perfect match for you.”

Rain scoffed.

“Yes, she is! She’s beautiful, elegant, and she adores you. You two were destined for this pairing before you were even conceived—just as I was promised to your father.”

“That worked out great for you, didn’t it?” he snapped.

He hadn’t meant to be cruel, but the anger was too raw.

The King grabbed his knife and lunged. Normally Rain would have backed down. Not today. The self-loathing that usually convinced him he deserved pain and punishment was gone. He stepped forward too, chest high, ready to defend himself.

Snow grabbed him and threw herself between them.

“Don’t!” she whimpered, clutching Rain’s shirt. He instinctively pushed the knife in his father’s hand away from his sister.

“Stop! Azrien, please!” their mother cried, fear radiating from her. Rain wasn’t sure who she feared more and that infuriated him. He had always protected her. Protected all of them. He had taken beatings meant for her, baited his father’s rage to redirect it away from his sisters. He had played the weakling to keep them safe.

He was done playing small.

“Rain, dear,” Olivis tried again, voice trembling. “You are not a child anymore. You are to be King one day and it’s time you acted like it. You’ve always led with your heart, and while that is admirable, a King must make wise choices. Ivy was promised to you. Our alliance with the Green Kingdom depends on it. Whatever is happening between you two is your own business but you must accept the betrothal for what it is. A transaction. You are securing peace between our realms.”

They didn’t care about him. Only the throne. Only the political gain.

“I cannot marry Ivy,” Rain said coldly. “Find another way to strengthen your alliances. I am no longer the solution.”